Elizabeth Ann Lickteig

Elizabeth Ann Betty Lickteig ROCKFORD Elizabeth Ann Betty Lickteig joined the angels in heaven on March 4, 2013. She was born in Chicago on June 16, 1925, the third of four children to Walter and Ann McDonald. She graduated high school in 1943, and was later employed at Illinois Bell. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jerry Lickteig, who was an Iowa farm boy now working in the big city. They married in Chicago in 1954. Work brought them to Springfield, and later Rockford, where they would raise a family. Family and faith were the most important things to both Jerry and Betty. They were blessed to have David (1964), and Lisa (1966) and have been in the same Rockford home ever since. Holy Family Catholic Church quickly became an important part of their life connecting them to many dear, lifelong friends. Betty was an involved parent at Holy Family School and then also at Boylan Catholic High School where Dave and Lisa graduated. Betty was an avid golfer along with Jerry. Both spent many days at Sandy Hollow where Betty played on a league, as well as many other area golf courses and in Florida. Indeed, Jerry and Betty enjoyed many wonderful family trips, with Florida and Colorado being favorite locations. Later, without the kids, they also had opportunities to venture to Hawaii and Europe where they did some more golfing and wonderful sightseeing, creating many lasting memories. Betty was an active member at Holy Family helping with pancake breakfasts as well as the womens auxiliary. She and Jerry were regulars at the 4:30 p.m. mass for decades, always found sitting in her favorite pew in front. In later years Betty convinced Jerry to join her in a senior citizen tapdance group, performing in Lifescapes Senior Follies as well as other shows, even performing on a cruise ship. The retirement years were very active between golf, dance, church and family as well as numerous volunteer activities. Betty adored her three grandchildren, Katelyn, Nicole and Kyle Nelson. She loved watching them dance, swim and play in the yard with their Grandpa. Bettys health slowed her down the last couple years but she still managed to smile and keep a watchful eye on those she loved. Not one to complain, she dealt with her failing health with stride, focusing on the positives in life. Betty will be greatly missed by many dear friends and family. Heaven is truly rejoicing in her presence.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerry; son, David Lickteig of Rockford; daughter, Lisa Nelson (David) of Madison, Wis.; three grandchildren, Katelyn, Nicole and Kyle Nelson, all in Madison; brother, Barrett of Springfield; many sistersinlaw and brothersinlaw; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Eileen; brother, Raymond; as well as many special aunts. Bettys strong faith in God was abundantly clear. She was a shining example of His unconditional love. Those who loved her are better people having been touched by her gentle spirit.

Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with visitation from 8 a.m. to time of service. Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials may be made in Elizabeths name to Holy Family Catholic Church or to the Basilica at Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wis.